The Law

I’m not a lawyer, so there are just a few observations here over and above what the British Automobile Association (AA) say about legal aspects of riding in Spain – so blame them not me for inaccuracies. Here are the highlights to memorize:

Alcohol and drugs:

Limit: blood concentration 0.05% (UK 0.08%)

Limit for novice riders (< 2 years): 0.03%

Drugs: don’t – they’re all totally illegal!

Leeway: none!

Notes: breathalyzer tests are used, a blood tests only upon request. Serious over the limit, i.e. > 0.5% result in a mandatory criminal prosecution = the end of you holiday/world trip. Spanish youth, bless ’em, take lots and lots of drugs, so police patrols are very aware of this issue and very hot on testing for estupificantes!

Documents on board:

Registration and roadworthiness certificates if appropriate

Valid insurance and green card

Valid EU or international, driving licence

ID: EU citizens should carry their own ID, the Brits, not having one, should have their passport as do Non-EU citizens

Bike and rider(s):

Dipped lights required at all times – cars no longer have to carry a spare set of bulbs as modern units are integral make this impossible; it’s not a bad idea for bikes to carry spare bulbs, but I don’t think it’s mandatory

All earphones, headsets, etc. are illegal unless they are integral with the original manufacture, no matter what they’re for and no matter what other advice, including advertisements, that you may see on the blogosphere

You should have a Hi-viz jacket on you ready to wear on the highways in case of breakdown – having said that I’ve never known anyone to be asked – but it does make sense.

Children under 7 cannot ride pillion, from 7 to 11 they can only ride with their parents or with another person with written authorisation from parents (or guardians I suppose!)

Fines and penalties:

Fines can be imposed on the spot, and usually are for foreigners – some patrols even take credit cards! – but otherwise you may be escorted to the nearest ATM. The good news is that there’s a 50% discount for prompt payment – so stop grindin’ yer teeth!

Serious offences (grave), including speeds in excess of 50% of the limit, attract penalty points – but very serious (muy grave) offences invoke criminal, as opposed to civil or summary, proceedings and permanent loss of licence. I guess the implication of this for foreign license holders is complex – beyond the scope of this blog!

Various EU countries now have bilateral agreements regarding penalty points, however this is beyond the scope this guide.